5 Great American White-Water Rafting Destinations

White-water rafting is a surefire way to satisfy the adventurer and create lifelong family memories. Adults and kids alike tend to love the natural beauty surrounding the river, the thrills that erupt from the rapids, and conquering the river together.

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White-water rafting can be a great summer escapade, and it's easy to tailor a trip for your crew. For families with young children, a tame river might be the best option. To jolt the teens, rivers akin to crazy roller-coaster rides are the way to go. You can organize a trip to fit any time frame too: overnight outings, day trips, half-day trips, or just an easy float.

First you need to learn the lingo. Here's a quick guide to the kinds of rapids:

• Class I is a nice, gentle ride. This is good for rafters who prefer to float at a leisurely pace.

• Class II involves mild rapids and waves up to 3 feet tall. These rivers are fairly easy to move around in.

• Class III is where the excitement starts to build. There's a good chance of getting wet because waves can be up to 4 feet tall.

• Class IV is not for the faint of heart. Passages are constricted, rapids are long and challenging, and the rafting guide has to operate the craft precisely.

• Class V is like Class IV and then some. It's a pure adrenaline rush.

Some of the best U.S. rivers for a rapids adventures include:

• The American River in California. This river is located in the oak-studded Sierra Nevada foothills. The South Fork of the American River, which flows into the Sacramento River, is a great section for beginners. For a bit more topsy-turvy action, the Middle Fork boasts a mix of Class III and Class IV rapids. It's set in a canyon 2000 feet deep and is surrounded by numerous historic sites from the gold rush era.

• The Colorado River near the Grand Canyon in Arizona. While 4 million people visit the Grand Canyon every year, fewer than 22,000 go white-water rafting in Arizona. Rafters can float through Grand Canyon National Park, starting just below Lake Powell and ending at Lake Mead. This stretch of water offers a mix of Class III and Class IV rapids.

• The Salmon River in Idaho. The Lower and Middle Forks of the Salmon are part of a 100-mile-plus course that has beginner and intermediate rapids. The lower section is especially suited for kids. With milder rapids and sandy beaches, many families love this wildlife adventure.

• The Chattooga River in Georgia and South Carolina. This river features three sections: sections II, III, and IV, which correspond with the class of rapids in each portion. Section II is relaxing. The surroundings are steeped in Native American history and feature an array of wildlife. Section III provides more action and is more challenging, with some serious rapids.

• Youghiogheny River in Pennsylvania. This is a great 74-mile river that's within reach for East Coast residents. Sections of the river are calm enough for small children, offering a relaxing float. Other parts offer up more white-water exploits for intermediate and advanced rafters. Another plus: The season is on the long side, generally lasting from April to September.

Would-be rafters should always check with guiding companies to confirm when trips are offered and to note any age requirements. Most rafting outfitters have a guide on each raft. Life jackets and helmets are usually required, and some companies offer wet suits during the colder spring months.